A New York priest says he "deeply regrets" if he hurt anyone by his comments that priests accused of child sex abuse are often seduced by their accusers and that a first-time offender should not go to jail.

The friars expressed regret for the remarks and highlighted Groeschel's medical history. They said he had been in a car accident several years ago, and that "in recent months his health, memory and cognitive ability have been failing." They described the comments as "out of character."

"He said something like grandpa would say and it's like 'Grandpa, why would you say that?'" Sudano told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Why did they interview this guy then? His ability to think and communicate are failing, they recognize it's failing, he says some incredibly stupid things, and then they print his incredibly stupid comments. It's as if they didn't care what he said, almost as if whatever he said was going to be published regardless of what it was. I think the editor should be held responsible as well.